The pair of rascals gone, Louis and Andy shook hands. “I owe you one for this,” said Andy, with a warm smile. “If you hadn’t appeared there is no telling what those two would have done to me. Perhaps they might have killed me and pitched me into the swamp.” And he shuddered at the thought. “It was Firefly brought me here,” answered Louis, and patted the animal affectionately. “But why are you out here alone?” “I am carrying a message to General Longstreet, and I reckon I got on the wrong road. But what have you got to say for yourself? I heard you were either shot or a prisoner.” “I was a prisoner, Andy; but I managed to get away, and now I’m trying to return to my own camp--if I can find it.” “Don’t you know you are in our lines?” and Andy looked deeply concerned. “Oh, yes, I know that only too well. I suppose I’ll have no picnic running the picket line.” “Hang me if I don’t wish I could help you, Louis. I know it’s all wrong, according to the rules of war, but--but--well, you know what they say, ‘Blood is thicker than water,’ and such a friendship as ours--” “Can’t be shattered by the bullets and shells of war,” finished Louis, with a short laugh. “I should trust not, Andy. Come what may, I shall always look upon you as a brother, even though I’ll do my level best to help the North win in this great struggle.” “And I shall always hold you as my best and only chum, Louis,” was the warm reply, “and of course I’ll fight just as hard as I can for our side. How are your folks?” “Father is quite well again, and mother is, too,” answered Louis, and told of the trouble at the farm and how he now hoped to clear it. “In the last letter written by Lucy, she and Martha wanted to know if I ever heard of you. What of your people?” “Father is not so well. Mother has a good deal of trouble taking care of him. Grace writes to me every week, and last week she wanted to know if she could get a letter through to you,” and Andy closed one eye, at which Louis blushed furiously. “You are making that up, Andy--don’t tell me you are not. However, remember me to Grace, and tell her I am doing nicely in spite of fights and bad weather. If you-- Hark! Some soldiers are coming! They must be some of your troops, and if that is so, I must be going. Good-bye, Andy, and may we meet again soon!” “Good-bye, Louis. Oh, if I could only see you safe to your camp! Yes, you must hurry, for the soldiers are coming on the double-quick! Hark! there are rifle shots! There must be a skirmish of some kind over to the left!” “If there is, it will help me through, Andy. Good-bye!” And with a last fervid hand-clasp the two chums parted, not to meet again until the memorable battle of Malvern Hill.